There is a short turnaround in the UEFA Europa League knockout playoffs and on the 23rd of February we have the second leg between Manchester United and Barcelona. The game will be played at Old Trafford and the hosts are currently third in the Premier League while the visitors are top of La Liga.
The tie is nicely poised at 2-2 following the first leg in Barcelona.
On top form last Thursday 🔝#UEL pic.twitter.com/EckipWHKfF— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 20, 2023
On top form last Thursday 🔝#UEL pic.twitter.com/EckipWHKfF
Manchester United come into the match on the back of a good 3-0 home win over Leicester City in the Premier League.
The Red Devils opened the scoring in the 25th minute and doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Maximum points were sealed thanks to a third goal just 5 minutes later.
That result means Manchester United are undefeated in their last 8 fixtures in all competitions and have lost only 1 of their last 17 matches.
There have been wins over Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Leicester City in the Premier League plus victories over Nottingham Forest (twice), and Reading in the FA Cup.
Manchester United are undefeated in their 17 most recent home games in all competitions and have won 14 of their last 15 home matches.
Trends show Manchester United are undefeated in their last 6 Europa League games in a row. They have won 4 of their last 5 home Europa League fixtures.
Barcelona make the trip to Old Trafford having beat Cadiz 2-0 at home in La Liga on the weekend. Barcelona scored two goals at the end of the first half and were comfortable in the second period to take all 3 points and remain top of the table.
The win over Cadiz means Barcelona have won 12 of their last 13 games in all competitions and are undefeated in their last 18 matches.
Barcelona have won each of their last 11 away fixtures in all competitions, including the Spanish Super Cup matches against Real Betis and Real Madrid.
Previous results in the Europa League have not been great and while Barcelona are undefeated in 7 of their last 8 games in the competition, they won only 1 of their last 5 Europa League matches. Trends show both teams have scored in each of Barcelona’s last 3 away Europa League fixtures.
Looking ahead to the team news and Manchester United are definitely without the injured duo of Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek. They also have doubts over the fitness of Harry Maguire, Antony, and Anthony Martial.
Barcelona travel without midfielders Pedri, who has a hamstring injury, and Gavi, who is suspended. They also have doubts over the fitness of Ousmane Dembélé, who has a muscle problem.
The loss of Pedri and Gavi will come as a blow for Barcelona but they still have enough quality in attack to score in this game.
Manchester United are flying at home and should also find the back of the net. This is a match that could easily end level with both teams after 90 minutes, meaning the possibility of extra time and penalties.